The Italian press has responded enthusiastically after Max Verstappen’s commanding GT3 debut win at the Nürburgring, highlighting his exceptional performance in Ferrari machinery. This victory has intensified speculation about Verstappen’s future in Formula 1, especially regarding a potential partnership with Ferrari. Fans and journalists alike are intrigued by the possibility of him joining the Scuderia in the coming years.
Corriere della Sera led the coverage, emphasizing the impact of Verstappen’s performance on both Ferrari’s image and the broader F1 world. The newspaper commented:
An extraordinary Max Verstappen, in his first GT race, triumphed in the 4 Hours of Nürburgring. And he did it in a Ferrari, the 296 GT3. It’s a huge advertisement for Ferrari, and who knows, perhaps it’s the prelude to a closer relationship that also involves F1.
The praise from Italian sports publications is notable given their prior criticism of Ferrari’s current Formula 1 efforts with Lewis Hamilton. Additionally, another media outlet pointed out a symbolic milestone:
Verstappen became the first F1 driver to win with Ferrari in 2025 – even before the team’s official drivers, if one excludes the Shanghai Sprint Race.
How Verstappen’s Nürburgring Win Intensified 2027 Ferrari Move Rumors
The timing of Verstappen’s Nürburgring victory has captured the attention of Italian journalists, who increasingly see 2027 as the potential year for a Verstappen-Ferrari Formula 1 alliance. This aligns with expectations that Lewis Hamilton’s current contract with Ferrari may conclude by then. Verstappen’s controlled driving and strategic lead-building in his portion of the race firmly impressed fans and experts.
During his stint, Verstappen established a lead exceeding one minute, handing over to teammate Chris Lulham to secure the win. Following the race, Verstappen expressed ambitions to deepen his endurance racing experience, including competing in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring:
Yes, it was great. The first two stints went really well… we didn’t make any big mistakes, and to win here on our first attempt is obviously fantastic… Of course, I would love to compete in the 24-hour race, whether that happens next year or later,
Verstappen said after his victory.
Further intensifying speculation are reports that Verstappen’s father Jos and his management team have held talks with Ferrari representatives about his career beyond 2026. Despite Verstappen’s current contract with Red Bull lasting until 2028, the upcoming regulation changes to power units in 2026 could reshape the competitive landscape and open new opportunities.
What Verstappen’s Ferrari Victory Means for the Future of F1
For Italian motorsport journalists, witnessing Verstappen’s success in Ferrari colors goes beyond a single endurance race triumph; it symbolizes the possibility of a historic shift in Formula 1 team dynamics. Should Verstappen transfer to Ferrari, it would mark a significant chapter for both the driver and the iconic Italian outfit, potentially redefining the competitive hierarchy from 2027 onward.
His GT3 debut victory may well be the catalyst that sparks a broader collaboration with Ferrari, inviting fans and analysts to imagine new rivalries and narratives in the sport’s near future. As new technical regulations and contracts evolve, the next few years in Formula 1 promise intense interest in where one of its biggest talents will compete.
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